Alternatives to Landlord/Tenant Court in Washington, D.C.

The Alternatives Project helps elderly tenants prevent eviction

Legal Counsel for the Elderly’s Alternatives to Landlord/Tenant Court for the Elderly Project (Alternatives Project) combines social work, legal and volunteer coordination to help prevent eviction of District elders.

Social Work and Volunteer Assistance

Assess social work needs of clients

Connect clients with necessary community services (bill payers, money managers, home health aides) and other LCE services such as public benefits checkups, wills and powers of attorney, and Elder Buddies (community volunteers to help clients declutter and clean their apartments)

Examples of Senior Tenants We Have Helped

Secured a judgment of $17,700 in compensatory/punitive damages after suing a noncompliant housing provider for repairs and rent reduction.

Six high school freshmen volunteers and their history teacher worked with the Project’s Elder Buddies Coordinator to help a blind tenant clean his apartment. The coordinator then obtained his medical and prescription drug expenses, which reduced his rent by $25 a month.

Project investigators and attorney worked with a Spanish-speaking senior who was beset by severe housing code violations. The case involved emergency litigation to get the repairs done promptly, then an administrative suit for monetary relief. In settlement, the client received a rent refund and waiver totaling $9,000.

Topic Alerts

You can get weekly email alerts on the topics below. Just click “Follow.”

Processing

Please wait...

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

Pro Bono Projects: We have a backlog of 80-100 seniors on our waiting list for a pro bono attorney to prepare wills and/or powers of attorney.Additional pro bono projects may range from non-litigation to litigation.

Systemic Reform Projects: Please agree to lead or assist a systemic reform project that will benefit many elderly, low-income seniors. Projects may include litigation, drafting legislation, research, advising multiple clients on a systemic issue, and/or writing instructional materials for lawyers and clients.See All Pro Bono Opportunities

LCE EVENTS

Meet us at an LCE community event to learn more about Medicare, Medicaid, housing, finances, health & wellness and more. Go

CONNECT WITH LCE

AARP Quick Benefits

Navigating through the maze of public benefit programs can be difficult and confusing. Many people don’t know what assistance is available – or how to gain access to it. AARP offers online tools that take the guesswork out of the process. It’s fast, private and secure. Try it now!